| Bariatric Surgery.info Comparison of Restrictive & Malabsorptive Procedures |
Weight loss success rates of restriction/malabsorption
surgery |
Restriction Compared With Malabsorption SurgeriesAlthough all successful candidates for bariatric weight loss surgery need to be suffering from serious or morbid obesity, and unable to lose weight by conventional dietary methods, patient needs differ. While some patients prefer a less drastic surgical option, others require a more extreme type of weight-reduction operation in order to facilitate compliance. Less Drastic Restrictive ProceduresBariatric surgeons have devised restrictive surgeries (eg. lapband) designed to restrict food intake by shrinking the stomach. Such operations may be completely reversible, though being less compulsive they require more dietary-control from patients. More Drastic Malabsorptive SurgeriesWeight loss surgeons have also developed a range of malabsorptive surgeries (eg. roux-en-y gastric bypass) which involve permanent changes to the anatomy of the normal digestive process. These compel the patient to eat less, and absorb fewer calories, as well as nutrients. Success Rates of Restrictive and Malabsorptive SurgeryPatients who undergo restrictive weight loss surgeries typically lose less weight and have a higher rate of weight regain than patients undergoing malabsorptive operations. Which is Better - Restriction or MalabsorptionIt depends on several things, including the obese patient. For example, patients suffering from malignant obesity (BMI 50+) whose life depends on massive weight reduction may benefit more from malabsorptive surgery, because it is more compulsive and requires slightly less patient compliance as far as calorie-intake is concerned. However, if the patient has a high degree of motivation to change their eating and exercise habits, then the more flexible and less permanent restrictive surgery may be best. However, both types of surgical procedure depend on post-operative patient lifestyle changes in order to guarantee lasting weight loss. ------------------------------------------------ Gastric Bypass Bariatric Information |